Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Our lives can be compared to an ongoing movie script over which we have complete creative control. Within us lies the power to examine what works or isn't working in our lives and make "edits" to our life's script, accordingly. Choosing to actively edit your life can be incredibly empowering. As you evolve, you have the choice to accept the script you've written thus far or edit it so you can create a life that fulfills you. You can cut out from your life's script what is no longer working for you. Acknowledging that you are responsible for the experience you create gives you the ability to create the life you've always longed for.

Granted, editing your real life isn't always as easy as erasing a line of text. If you've carried emotional baggage or held on to an unhealthy relationship for a long time, these may be difficult to edit out. But when you do cut out what isn't working from your life, you'll feel lighter and more alive. Editing out activities that you find stressful, disassociating yourself from people that drain your energy, and letting go of your emotional baggage are all beneficial cuts you can make. In the empty spaces that are left behind, you can add in anything you like. Just as you have the power to edit out negative situations or beliefs that you no longer wish to have as part of your life, you can now include the kinds of positive experiences, people, and beliefs that you would like to fill your life with. The manifestation of these thoughts and images as realities in your life will inevitably follow. As you make changes to your life, you can also add in the bits where you choose mo! re intimate, healthier relationships, seek out adventure over tedium, and are no longer negatively impacted by old experiences.

To begin editing your life, simply think about your positive and negative experiences. When you determine what parts of your life are no longer serving you, make the commitment to remove them - though, it is important to remember that there is no proper timing or way to do this, and patience and compassion for yourself are always important during this process. Then, ask yourself what has brought you profound bliss and consider how you can make those experiences and beliefs part of your life now. With a little editing, you'll be able to clear out what is no longer serving you and make room in your life for more happiness, love, and wisdom.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

I feel that it is important for artists to give back, because that'swhat we do...or should do. I've often felt that artists have to findways to make sure art is available to everyone interested, no mattereconomic status...this competition is one way I can level the playingfield.As an artist who is supported by my art, I'm sure I speak for myfellow artists: Support the arts. I say this not convince people tobuy my work (though that is always a bonus) but rather to point outthe importance of art in all or our lives. A step closer topreventing a grayer world. So I appeal to everyone to value art.Here's a few ways to do it.1. Make Art - one way to avoid the gray world syndrome is to make stuff.2. Go to, and support museums especially local ones. Museums areplaces for everyone to enjoy art - get involved and promote artistsand ideas you like.3. Invest in Art...not WalMart. I know that not everyone has a hugebank account, but set aside a certain amount each year to spend onoriginal art. Also, one of the best things is to own the art ofpeople you know and like. For an artist there is nothing moregratifying than making a piece for someone you care about. Also thereis nothing more gratifying than owning a piece of work created bysomeone you care about. My home is filled with art, not with my ownart, but with art made by artists who are dear friends.4. Teach your children the importance of Art. Tell them why the worldis a better place when art is valued. Teach them that appreciatingart is important but doing art is more important. Could you imagine aworld where art was a daily activity for everyone. Wouldn't the worldbe a more beautiful place.5. Talk about art. Your interests can rapidly spread to others.6. Be compassionate. Nothing moves the world into an artistic realmmore effectivly than love and empathy. Remember that art is whatconnects us to other people, the world, and beyond.Just a few things to think about.Michael deMeng

Michael de Meng ~art giveaway~

From: "Michael deMeng" assemblage@michaeldemeng.com

Subject: Michael deMeng is giving away a piece of art for the holidays.Hey Collage Cats, thought you might be interested in this...Okay here's the deal. I've been thinking that because of all the support that everyone has given to me this last year, I've decided to give a little something back. I'm giving away an art freebie...that's right, free art. I'll be giving away one of my mixed media "trashy novels". Those of you who have taken a Book Shrine class will have seen the piece before. Here's the prize: http://www.michaeldemeng.com/bookcombo2.jpg The rules and the skinny. 1. Email me on December 15th (the next full moon) between the hours of 6 p.m. and 12. p.m EST 2. Send the email to: assemblage@michaeldemeng.com

(IMPORTANT: must go to this address. Any entries sent to my other addresses will not count.) 3. The Subject line MUST read: "Where's my book, dag nab it?" 4. You are limited to 2 emails. 5. To win: you must be the 66th (year of my birth) email I receive between those hours. All I ask is that you speak kindly of me and forward my site to someone who might be interested (this is an honor system sort of thing). I will annouce the winner the morning of Dec. 16th (I will mention your name unless you don't want me to...please indicate) and will send the Art Book out that same day. Not sure if it will get there before Xmas...but should be close. Ho Ho Ho. Also there will be no favoritism...the big winner will be strictly chosen by the rules above (or the stars...depending on your belief system). Good luck Michael deMeng www.michaeldemeng.com